Author: longshotcowgirl

I’ve been blessed to meet and spend some time with a lot of the girls that are going to the NFR this year. They are truly amazing.

I have to say before everybody starts in on their couch jockeying, I want to ask you guys if you guys have ever heard of the verse, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her”? Now I know the lady in the Bible did less than desirable things, but haven’t we all made mistakes? It is not our job to point out others faults.

These girls have worked their butts off! They have made it through blood, sweat, and tears. They have endured mental and physical exhaustion, pain, loss of loved ones, and broken bones just to be able to do what they love, what God called them for. See we’re all unique, each and everyone of us. We are all bound for greatness if we just trust God and follow his path. The girls I have met, their faith is strong and they honestly love to encourage others. They don’t like to tear people down, they work together although they’re competing for the same prize. They would love to get that gold buckle, but to get to heaven is so much more rewarding. They have put in miles upon miles, they have missed family gatherings, birthdays, loved ones. They have always tried to keep a smile on their face even in times of trouble because others are watching them.

What you don’t see is all the hard work that it takes to get where they are behind closed doors. So before you pass judgment realize that no one is perfect, every single person on this earth makes mistakes. I challenge each and every couch jockey out there that thinks that they can do such a better job riding these horses in that arena. I challenge you to get off your butt and do it. Sitting there is not going to accomplish anything, sitting there complaining is not going to make yourself feel better, sitting there will prevent you from accomplishing what God wants you to do. So instead of being that person who says the girl riding should’ve done this or she should’ve done that, or I could ride that horse better, STOP! I challenge you to start thinking of the positives. I guarantee that each one of those ladies that made it to the NFR don’t criticize others. They know that everybody starts at the bottom and has to work their way up to the top. They have a huge passion for the rodeo and to make the sport better not worse they encourage others and cheer each other on. They are not happy when someone has a bad run. They know at the end of the day gold buckles are just buckles, and true championships is not won here on earth. The true goal is to get to heaven, so instead of criticizing these girls performances, be a light! They are under so much stress and it’s not all fun going to Vegas, it’s a lot of hard work, it’s grueling and they don’t get sleep. They could definitely use some encouraging words during this time but if you’re still adamant that you can do better than any of these girls then what I challenge you is to get off your butt and do it because actions speak a whole lot more than words, talking is overrated.

“In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.” Psalm 138:3

This was when I was 7 months post op. I am now officially one year post op.

This is a long post.

I won’t lie, after you get hurt sometimes it is hard to get back on or do things you used to do again. Not because you are scared of riding again, but just scared of the unknown and if it will be okay, what the new normal will be, or if the surgery(surgeries) worked. I was nervous today.

But this is what I have been waiting on! I have not barrel raced since September 2016 and it’s been a LONG journey! I know I still have a long journey ahead. But things that are your dreams are worth the rough roads to get there.

My left hip did good, my other hip is a little sore, but with the surgery I compensated by putting more pressure on the right hip.

Sorry I cried, honestly didn’t think my husband was videotaping. But I do want to tell everyone that no matter what you are going through or faced with, if you want something bad enough, never give up! Life is too short to live with regrets. You should never say I can’t, and always say I will. If you are struggling, God will get you through it all. If it wasn’t for the good Lord, I would have gave up a long time ago. He gives me strength to keep going.

I’ve had setbacks, and breakdowns. I just don’t let myself stay there. So if you are going through a tough time, there is hope. You just have to have Faith! Don’t ever give up! If you want something bad enough you will get there if you keep moving forward. It may not be the way you want it to be, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do what you love. You will have setbacks. Just remember those setbacks teach you something and make you stronger! On your journey think of at least one positive in each situation. Remember God has a plan for each one of us and a destiny we could not even imagine. So stay strong and keep focused on what is important.

So for those that don’t know my story, I was in a car accident in 2016. I’m 7 months post op from hip surgery. I sold all my riding horses since the accident so I wouldn’t be tempted before I was able to again. But the doctor recently told me I can SLOWLY start easing into it as tolerated. I was on a horse a few weeks ago, for a few minutes, but really didn’t get to ride. So I took advantage at my moms house. This is the first time I got to actually ride since I sold my little yellow horse last year. (I rode him about 3-4 times for about 15 minutes after I had my injection just around the house.) Then I sold him so I wouldn’t ride and hurt myself before I was meant to ride. I told some it was because I needed a free runner, but really it was God knowing how long of a road I would be on. I prayed long and hard about that as it was a very hard decision. So I am now back to square one again, I still have pain, but not constant. I have flare ups and I’m not 100% but I’m working on it. Keep having faith!

I wrote this a few years ago when thinking about faith and feel this is true even today!

As I am sitting here waiting on my food, I heard a lady on the radio talking about brushing her teeth really good before going to the dentist. Then it hit me, our faith is like brushing our teeth.

Most people brush their teeth every day, some multiple times. The reason we do is to keep the bad stuff off our teeth. We go to the dentist when we have bad stuff that we can’t get off our teeth and although sometimes it hurts, it is worth it in the end. Same goes for faith!

Some pray every day, some multiple times a day. Some even go the extra mile and walk in faith and do good unto others, think of this as flossing and mouth rinse.

When we have a problem we can’t take care of right away, we go to the Lord. That is when he cleans us, he cuts the bad out of us and sometimes it hurts, sometimes we lose things we don’t want to, but in the end, we all have a purpose and it is worth it.

We don’t understand some things but we know the pain will not last although at times it feels like it will. So instead of trying to do a “thorough cleaning” shortly before you go to the Lord, cause you know you wont be able to get everything, show faith.

Remember Pray daily, and have faith. Now remember there will be times, where no matter what you do there will still be bad stuff, but always know the Lord is there to help you get through it. Felisha Whitman

I’m at a point in my life where I’m kind of stuck at a crossroad. I thank God every day for everything I have as he has provided me so much.

But sometimes I wonder if I meant for more sometimes I wonder if I’m on the right path. Before my accident I thought I knew what I was meant to do. But now there is a possibility that might not happen. I love horses and I know getting back on one is going to take a lot of work for myself. As when I got on my mom’s horse for that short time I was scared.

I don’t know what my journey may hold. I just know that no matter what I’ve got to keep trying. I am trying to live day by day instead of in the what if’s or future as tomorrow is never promised to anyone.

I love my life and if I wore to die today I would be happy. I get to live in the country, have my horses, work at an amazing place, I have wonderful family. I am no longer living in a world of regret.

I know everything happens for a reason and eventually some of those reasons come to light, other times they do not.

I know it’s hard, but I’m learning that just because your path changes directions, doesn’t mean the end. It just means the next road may be a detour and you will end on the same path. Or it could mean that where you end up is greater. God only knows and as long as we trust him, things will work out!

Never take anything for granted! No minute of the day is ever promised. So when you are struggling, remember someone else is wishing they could be in your position.

For those who go to a race and don’t clock to get a check, tip over barrels, still stuck in the 5D, be grateful. There is someone out there that would love the opportunity to be doing what you are doing. They would love to be able to go down that alley or even just ride a horse.

Sometimes our life changes, and so must our plans. Just because you are blessed to do something one day, doesn’t mean you can tomorrow. It doesn’t mean give up, you just have to adjust to your new normal.

This picture means so much to me and reminds me of how blessed I am.

The guy in the back, his name is Pastor Tim Wallace. He served the Lord and meant a lot to many. He is no longer with us. He didn’t lose his battle to cancer, he won. His faith stayed true during his trials and now he’s being rewarded greatly, with no pain!

This horse, Pacer, was another blessing. She was all heart and no matter what I asked, she gave it her all. I didn’t get to ride her but a few years because of an injury from her race track years.

Then there is myself, who loves barrel racing. I was truly blessed as there was a barrel race every night of the week where I live. I had dreams and goals of my own. But it wasn’t what God had planned at that time.

I got in a wreck and almost 2 years later, I am just able to ride a very broke horse. Only God knows if I will ever compete again.

I know that everything works out in Gods timing, but I would love to be able to run down that alley again. I remember those days that I was frustrated when we tipped a barrel or wasn’t clocking. But now, I would love to be able to do that again.

Life changes, faster than what we would like. Our great horses, family, & friends, leave us sometimes without even a warning.

So don’t take anything for granted and enjoy your time on earth! If you love it find a way. If you don’t move on. Life is too short to be worrying and living in the what if’s! Live in the right now! If you can’t do something you love anymore, find the positive in every situation!

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

No two people are alike and we all have special talents. It’s what we do with them, that truly matters! Our jobs are not just a way for bills to be paid.

Take parenthood for example, it’s not done for the pay. I know some get paid, but if it’s about the money, you are in it for the wrong reasons. Parenting is a hard job, that takes dedication, compassion, and faith to get through the times of sorrow. It is probably one of the most difficult, yet rewarding jobs out there.

There are many other professions that people can do. It should not be about how much money we make. It should be about how we can serve others.

You see, any profession, is a service to others as well as God. God let us have those skills to do great things. So if we always try to please our Holy Father, we will continue to do good work.

We should use our skill set for good and not evil. If you go into a profession because it pays good, then you will never truly experience the rewards God has in store.

God watches us every day, and he knows what is in our hearts. If you are working hard and don’t think anyone notices you are wrong! God notices it and he is the ultimate boss! If you make him happy, you will have bigger bonuses than you can ever imagine!

So I challenge each and every one of you, to find what you love! Then make a living doing it, while serving others and the Lord!

Why my success is owed to God because without him I would not be here.

Now many think of success as a big fancy house, car, clothes, and so much more. Success isn’t measured in money, it is all the little things!

Waking up in the morning, getting dressed, eating, and breathing! You don’t realize every day you are here on earth is a success!

Now I have been through some rather hard times in my life. I’ve also made some choices that I wasn’t proud of. But through it all those choices led me to who I am now.

My struggles shaped me, lost my faith and grew my faith. They shook me enough to get back on track. God never let go of me and always was there.

He gave me a friend when I needed it as well as an enemy to strengthen me. He gave me all the tools to mold me to who I am today and he continues to do so for who I need to be tomorrow!

Out of everything I have right now, my biggest success is who I am and what I have today with everything I have been through.

I have an amazing family, husband, kids. Yes everyone is quirky but I love them. I have a roof over my head, food on the table, and clothes on my back. I have a job that has amazing core values, and a great team to work with.

To some my life may seem perfect, I assure you it’s not. I have struggles like anyone. I get down but I have a God who fights for me. He has provided me with a husband, that when I am lost, helps me find myself.

I know everyone has struggles that are different. But instead of focusing on all the negative in your life; focus on the good. Even if it is something small like you put on matching socks for the day!

God will provide for us if we just allow it. You can turn yourself from a negative Nancy to someone who is happy! So start focusing on your successes! Start with the small ones then you will see bigger successes later.

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